You are not alone, Warriors.

Those of us who have never served in the armed forces that protect our country and our allies perceive our Warriors to be strong, tough, invincible. They know their duties and tend to those duties with dedication, determination, true grit. The job has to be done so they step up and do it without hesitation or reservation. They defend their country, their people, and the Constitution that provides all of us inalienable rights.

Our Warriors watch history unfold in far-away places, assuring safety and protection to those who are not warriors, those unwilling to take the risks that a Warrior faces.

Are our Warriors important? Yes.

Is what our Warriors do important? Is freedom worth fighting for?

Has what they have done in service to their country valuable? They understand at a much more profound level than the rest of us.

Has what they have done been worth the costs? Have our Warriors made a difference to someone? Improved a way of life? Given someone hope, a seed that will live on inside of them and grow and be passed on to the generations who follow them?

“Veterans from all eras are reacting to the events in Afghanistan, such as the U.S. withdrawal and the takeover by the Taliban, and may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth their sacrifice,” reports the Veterans Administration.

I read that statement to my husband, a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army. “Sounds like the Vietnam War.”

Our Warriors have served us valiantly. They are our heroes. Speaking directly to our military personnel and our veterans: You are our heroes.

But many of them are frustrated, sad, grief-stricken. Some are struggling with mental health issues like PTSD and depression, asking themselves, “What were we fighting for?” They may be sleeping poorly, drink more alcohol, use more drugs to self-medicate so they don’t have to think about all of it.

Distress related to negative events is a normal reaction, the VA says, especially the events that feel personal. The VA urges looking at what is most important in your life, right now, and focus on that. But if you can’t find something positive to focus on, if you can’t cope with world events that affect how you feel right now, then talk to someone you trust, someone who can listen and, perhaps understand what you are feeling and thinking.

“Nearly one in four active-duty members showed signs of a mental health condition,” according to a JAMA Psychiatry study cited by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness.)

Concerned about a fellow Warrior? “… the most important thing you can do is ask how they’re doing and to listen without judgment.” The success of the mission depends on staying healthy in mind as well as body.

“Talking to a counselor or medical officer won’t hurt career or security clearance … Every service member has a duty to build resilience by seeking advice and treatment when indicated.”

You are not alone. But if you are feeling alone, severely troubled and need help, there are those who are willing to reach out to you.

Family Recovery Center provides support for military personnel, veterans and their families, offering a wide range of comprehensive care options to address the needs for both mental health and addiction-related problems. The goal is to give back to those who have sacrificed so much of their lives by helping them to cope and readjust to civilian life. If you or a loved one is struggling, please contact us at 330-424-1468.